1924
In 1924, Willard J. Collins, the company’s founder, hired A.J. “Gus” Sanguinetti as his sole employee.
In 1924, Willard J. Collins, the company’s founder, hired A.J. “Gus” Sanguinetti as his sole employee.
Gus Sanguinetti acquired full ownership of Collins Electrical on January 1st, 1929.
Collins Electrical’s first major project was the State Hospital in Stockton in 1929 which was followed by the Mendocino State Hospital in 1930.
Sanguinetti believed in having the best workers available. It was learned that he tolerated nothing but the best. He hired both John Nomellini at the age of 17 in 1935 and Henning Thompson at the age of 19 a few years later.
In 1946, Collins Electrical joined the National Electrical Contractors Association (N.E.C.A.).
The company was incorporated as Collins Electrical Co. on July 13th, 1949.
During the Korean War, the Stockton Office organized a marine division. This branch wired ships for Colberg Boat Works of Stockton who had a U.S. Navy contract. During this time, the company purchased Mapes Electric and opened a Sacramento Branch in 1952. The Sacramento Branch moved to West Sacramento in 2008.
In 1953, CECI opened a branch in Merced to handle work located at Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, CA.
In 1955, the Modesto Branch opened.
The Monterey Branch opened in 1956 and was located on Del Monte Blvd.
On April 23rd, 1957, the company’s name was changed to Collins Electrical Company, Inc. (CECI).
CECI celebrated 1958 with an all-time high revenue of $8,000,000. The company continued to expand its branch offices by purchasing Modern Electric in Fresno, CA.
Current Chairman of the Board Eugene “Gene” C. Gini was hired to work in the Stockton warehouse in 1960 before joining the apprenticeship program in 1961.
John Nomellini became President after Gus Sanguinetti’s passing in 1966.
Eugene “Gene” C. Gini worked as the Modesto Branch Manager for 21 years from 1969-1990.
In 1970, CECI was named among the top ten electrical companies in the nation by “Engineering News-Record” magazine.
The Monterey Branch was moved to Marina in 1972 and is still in the same location today located on Reservation Road.
Henning Thompson became President when John Nomellini retired in 1983.
In 1990, our Board of Directors comprised Vice President Larry Schlenker, CEO and President Eugene Gini, and Secretary & Treasurer Charles Plaster. Larry and Charles, with over 75 years of combined service, were longstanding pillars of our company. Their dedication spanned generations, with family members also contributing to Collins Electrical. Notably, Charles’ son and grandson currently hold key positions as Chief Estimator and Project Executive, and Larry’s son worked as a Journeyman electrician for many years, carrying forward the legacy of excellence.
CECI became a family-owned business when Gene’s sons, Kevin and Brian purchased the stock of Charles Plaster, one of the two remaining shareholders. The corporation redeemed the stock of shareholder Larry Schlenkler on the same day.
Fresno Branch opened in 2002.
In 2007, Collins Electrical Company, Inc. broke the $100 Million ceiling for the first time.
CECI’s Solar Division began in 2009. Craig Gini was appointed as Renewables General Manager to manage the solar division. This division has been involved in the negotiation and construction of over 450 photovoltaic installations throughout Northern, Central, and Southern California since its inception.
In 2010, Gail Wardell became the first female Chief Financial Officer in the company’s history.
Dublin Branch opened in 2014.
Modesto Branch consolidates with Stockton Branch at a new location off of Hwy 99.
On October 1, 2016, Craig Gini became a shareholder of Collins Electrical.
Kevin and Brian Gini were appointed Co-CEOs of Collins Electrical Company, Inc. in 2019. Gene Gini becomes the Chairman of the Board.
In 2019, CECI begins its Lean Transformation Journey through the Collins Business System (C.B.S.).
Collins Electrical’s Corporate branch became California Green Business Certified in 2020.
In 2020, CECI celebrated 44 employees with 20+ years of service.
In 2020, Gene celebrates his 60th anniversary – the oldest tenured male employee of CECI – Dianne Gini celebrates her 50th anniversary as the oldest tenured female employee.
Collins Electrical receives the 2020 Top Solar Contractor in the U.S. award from Solar Power World.
CECI ranked #12 Top Solar Contractor in California and #73 in the U.S. out of over 400 companies on the 2021 Top Solar Contractors list.
CECI celebrated 100 employees with 10+ years of service in 2021.
Collins Electrical earned the award of Top Specialty Contractor from ENR California in 2022.
In 2022, CECI broke the $200M revenue ceiling with $230 million. CECI also donated $535,576 throughout the Northern and Central Valley in California through employee raised, business partner donations, and CECI charitable giving.
Collins Electrical ranked #25 in California for Top Solar Contractors by Solar Power World in 2022.
The Dublin branch relocated to Livermore in July 2023.
CECI ranked #48 Top 50 Firms in Electrical in the U.S. and #162 Top 600 Specialty Contractors in the U.S. by ENR in 2023.
Collins Electrical Company, Inc. ranked #46 Top Electrical Contractors in the U.S. by EC&M in 2023.